It’s not at all weird and very easy to explain. The BBC positions itself as an impartial reporter. Anything that appears to be a judgement call by someone else is (quite rightly) put into quotes.
In this case, I would have simply left out the words “innocent victim “ myself, as it’s a bit odd - but that is the rationale.
Apple News+ subscription growth blows away major media sites (www.cultofmac.com)
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Hackney shooting: Girl, 9, critical after four shot in Dalston (www.bbc.co.uk)